The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Ralph C. Fritz (ASN: 18043375), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Rear Gunner of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber in the 333d Bombardment Group (Heavy), FIFTH Air Force, in aerial operations over Rabaul, New Britain, in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations, on 9 October 1942. Corporal Fritz was in a Flying Fortress that was engaged on a reconnaissance mission to determine the damage which our forces inflicted on enemy air and naval bases at Rabaul. After the observations had been made and the photographs taken, Corporal Fritz’s plane was attack by four enemy Zero fighters. During the running aerial battle, which lasted for one hour, Corporal Fritz manned the rear gun and was instrumental in destroying two of the enemy planes, and in repelling the remaining attacking planes, thereby enabling our plane to return safely to its home base although badly damaged. Corporal Fritz’s ability and courage in the face of enemy fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.